Well, if there is no delay from the time you awake to the time you start to workout, do not eat. If you have at least 30 minutes before you start, a very light breakfast wouldn’t hurt. Just make sure it is not too high in sugars, salts or fats.

I think you have to do what’s best for you. Some people puke if they eat beforehand, and some people can’t work out without a little something in their belly. I’ve heard a lot of different opinions on the matter since I was a swimmer in college and we were always listening to speeches from different nutritionists and coaches, and all I really learned is that everyone has their own opinion on the matter. I’ve heard that you should eat a little something before you go, but some people have also suggested that the most crucial time to put a small amount of carbohydrates back into your body is immediately following a workout. For this, someone once suggested that on our way out of the pool we should eat a handful of gummy bears, just to replace the carbs quickly before we shower, change, drive home from the gym, whatever. It doesn’t have to be gummy bears obviously, but I think that immediately after your workout is a good time to give yourself a little jolt of energy, then you can go home and eat a normal-sized breakfast.

Definitely 35–45 before the work out. No a huge breakfast either, we’re talking 500 to 600 calories. Your body needs the fuel before strenuous activity. Save the larger meal for after the work out. Again, another 35–45 mins. High protein, lean fats, and complex carbs. I work professionally as a personal trainer, trust me you’ll notice a difference in your performance if you’re fueled right.

i had also heard what Poser said about working out first because your body will burn body fat more if u eat after working out. but recently read in an article in bodybuilding.com that this is a myth and that you should eat b4 your workout. check that site out, it has so many great articles.

you need to eat about 300 calories before your workout, if you are working out just after waking up. i used to have practice every morning at 5:30. For the first two years of school I would skip eating, because I thought I’d get sick (and because i’d get up too late and only leave myself enough time to get to the boathouse) The last two years, I tried it out and I never felt better. It could be as small as a granola bar, or an apple, just something for your muscles to fuel on, rather than themselves.

You should eat with 15–25 minutes of finishing your activity. You should actually do this even if you are not looking to lose weight. Your body needs to refuel and recover as soon as possible. We were given a liquid whey protein drink after practice…gross but we felt a lot better when the afternoon workout came around. (SPR-3 comes in powdered form, put a scoop in 8oz of water…NCAA compliant of course)

You should try some different things to see what works for you. Everyone reacts differently.